Apprenticeship Program

Soothing Herbals Apprenticeship Program

So, you want to learn the fine art and science of Herbalism & Aromatherapy and how to operate an herb business? Are you committed to being involved for a 9 month period?

What is an Herbal Apprenticeship?

An Herbal Apprenticeship is a commitment and a journey. Our Apprenticeship Program is designed to give you the opportunity to work hands-on in discovering medicinal herbs. This very ancient method of using plants and plant oils for bringing relief, comfort and healing to the body, mind and spirit is very comprehensive. The focus is on growing and harvesting Medicinal Herbs, Medicine Making, Aromatherapy and Essential oils: those which will enhance our health and restore balance.

What will it cost?

A sliding scale of $300-$400 for the entire 9 month program. Payment plans available.

When does it start?

It begins in early spring, usually around April but sometimes as early as mid to late March, depending on the weather. It will last for 9 months and will finish in November.

What will you learn and do?

This is an opportunity for you to learn how to start herbs from seed, design and plant your own garden, harvest herbs from the garden, prepare extracts, make salves and lotions and other herbal skin care products.

Apprentices will learn plant identification and medicinal properties, plant propagation and participate in many hands on activities ranging from planting seeds and gardening, to making and selling herbal medicines and skin care products. Apprentices may also assist in teaching classes.  Apprentices are required to complete 360 hours of volunteer hands on labor throughout period between March and November.  After 360 hours are completed, the apprentice has graduated.

Part of this apprenticeship will also involve marketing and sales at local Farmer’s Markets. After an introduction and training on the Markets, if you feel confident to sell products at an event on your own, a 20% commission is earned from sales made at any Market or Festival event attended alone on behalf of Soothing Herbals.

What is the plan?

Apprentices are to arrange a schedule of work days available, preferably 2 days per week between the hours of 9am-2pm, averaging approx. 8-10 hours per week. Students must be available most Saturdays from April-October between the hours of 5am-2pm for Market or Festival Days.

Monthly Schedule Breakdown:

March-Introduction to Soothing Herbals gardens and work space

  • Seed ordering & propagation
  • Event planning
  • Product Making

April/May- Introduction to Farmer’s Market

  • Seedling maintenance & transplanting
  • Product Making & Selling
  • Early Spring Harvesting
  • Gardening & Weeding

June-Aug- Gardening & Weeding

  • Harvesting Drying Infusing
  • Product Making & Selling

Sept- Nov Gardening & Weeding

  • Harvesting Drying Infusing
  • Product Making & Selling
  • Garden Clean up

Goals for the successful apprentice upon completion of this program include:

1. You will be able to identify many herbs and plants and know their medicinal benefits.

2. You will know how to grow, harvest, dry and infuse these herbs and make them into products such as herbal tinctures, teas, syrups, oils, salve, balms & crèmes.

3. You will learn marketing and sales techniques in this herbal business.

Requirements for our Apprenticeship Program:

  1. A sincere desire to learn hands on the art and science of Herbalism & Aromatherapy.
  2. Commitment to 9 months of volunteer work in exchange for learning and sales commission.
  3. Flexible schedule and availability to work Wednesday & Saturday Markets and Festivals.
  4. A reliable vehicle to get you to and from our site,  and markets, classes, etc.
  5. A letter of request from you, which should include information about yourself, why you want to study Herbs and Aromatherapy, your interests, hobbies, other employment and how you think you can make this Apprenticeship work for you.
  6. A signed NonDisclosure Agreement upon acceptance of the Apprenticeship and its terms.
  7. A drawn up schedule of work days available every month.
  8. A deposit of $50-100, and total tuition due by November.

If this sounds like a program which will work for you, and you really have the determination to see it through to its completion, please email your letter of request to: info@soothingherbals.com. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you.

Chin Velasquez, Clinical Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist

Owner & Founder, Soothing Herbals LLC

 

TO REGISTER

For the Herbal Apprenticeship Program send an expression of intention for your participation with a $50-100 deposit made out to Soothing Herbals LLC, 628 Rockbridge Alum Springs Rd, Goshen, VA 24439.  Your deposit is only refundable if for some reason we determine together, before the program begins that the program is not a good match for you.  Once I receive a deposit you will receive a confirmation and you will be scheduled to meet with me, Chin Velasquez, either in person or by phone for an orientation conversation. Be sure to include your complete contact information.